Twins Activate Joe Ryan Just in Time for the Playoff Push

The Twins are finally getting Joe Ryan back on the mound, which means we can stop pretending a mild left glute strain is not just a polite medical term for a pitcher whose mechanics completely fell apart.

Minnesota officially activated the 30-year-old righty from the 15-day injured list, according to MLB Trade Rumors. He is scheduled to take the ball against the Detroit Tigers, stepping right back into a rotation that desperately needs his first-half magic.

"MLB Trade Rumors reported: 'Twins Activate Joe Ryan'"

Before his backside betrayed him, Ryan was dealing. He carried a sub-3.00 ERA into the All-Star break and looked like a legitimate ace. Then the second half started, and he suddenly turned into a batting practice machine, giving up 17 runs over his last 15.1 innings while his fastball velocity dipped down to 92.1 mph.

Giving up six home runs to a usually punchless Cleveland Guardians lineup is the pitching equivalent of losing a footrace to a guy in denim shorts. The Twins wisely pulled the plug in early August, citing the glute issue to give his arm a much-needed reset.

Now he returns with a 3.65 ERA and 138 strikeouts on the year, right in the middle of a chaotic American League playoff race. For anyone eyeing the strikeout props or moneyline, the big question is which version of Ryan shows up. If his fastball is back up to its normal 93.4 mph average, the Tigers are in trouble.

If he comes out throwing meatballs again, Minnesota is going to have a massive problem. The Twins need the All-Star version of Joe Ryan for the stretch run, not the guy who looked like he was pitching with a piano strapped to his back in July.